2007 December Work Week

The event that launched Project Amigo in 1984 (a Christmas party for 45 children in a poor rural village) enjoyed its 24th annual repetition with more than 200 children in attendance this year. The volunteers who helped make the party happen included Rotarians and non-Rotarians and their families from California, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and Washington, as well as Rotarians and their wives from the Club Rotario de Colima. They wrapped more than 500 gifts, fitted all the kids with new shoes, and served them pozole and cake at the Fiesta.

During the week, the group learned that three migrant labor camps in Colima were facing a crisis. Workers had been brought in from southern Mexican states to cut sugar cane; but the sugar processing mill was on strike. Therefore, the workers were without work or wages --- and food. Passing the hat among the volunteers and the Colima Rotarians brought enough income to supply all three labor camps with rice, beans, cooking oil, cereal and sugar to tide them over until the strike ended and they were able to work.

“This was my first adventure into the heart of Mexico and it has been amazing. We fed the hungry, clothed the needy, and loved everybody (everything a vacation and service are all about).” -- Liz Taylor, former Rotary Youth Exchange student (to France) from Susanville Rotary

“This is our fifth year with Project Amigo. We do a lot of volunteer work, and Project Amigo is the most rewarding experience of all. We strongly believe that education is the key out of poverty – and we so appreciate being with Project Amigo’s staff and other volunteers who are working toward the goal.” -- John and Margery Cox, Casa Adobes Rotary

“Project Amigo lights the way to success for so many children who will make a difference in the world tomorrow.” -- Carolyn Anderson, Valley of the Moon Rotary